Initial Legal Consultation — Ishibashi Legal Advice Tokyo

What this delivers

A clear account of what the law says, and what your choices actually are

After an initial consultation with Ishibashi, you will know what legal framework applies to your situation, what the realistic options are — with an honest account of their likely cost and duration — and whether the matter genuinely requires formal legal action at all.

That last point matters. A significant portion of situations that feel like legal problems can be resolved by understanding what the applicable rules actually say. The consultation is designed to give you that understanding without presupposing that further paid work is the right outcome.

Written summary sent afterwards

A written account of what was discussed is sent after the consultation — the applicable framework, the options considered, and any referral suggested. Something to refer to later.

Conducted in English or Japanese

The consultation is conducted fully in either language. Documents brought to the meeting can be read in Japanese and explained in English, or in the other direction.

Honest about whether further work is warranted

Where the matter does not require formal legal action, that is said plainly. Where it falls outside the areas handled here, a referral is made where possible.

The difficulty

Legal situations feel uncertain partly because the applicable framework is unclear

Most people who contact a lawyer do not know in advance whether their situation is a legal problem at all. They know that something has happened — a contract has been broken, a landlord is not responding, a counterparty is disputing an arrangement — and they do not know what their position is or what they can reasonably expect to happen next.

Without knowing what the applicable rules say, it is difficult to assess whether formal action is worth pursuing, what it would cost in time and money, or whether there is a simpler path to the same outcome. The uncertainty itself is the problem, before any legal question is resolved.

For individuals and small companies in Japan who do not read legal Japanese fluently, this uncertainty is compounded by the difficulty of finding reliable information about how civil and commercial matters are actually resolved here. General searches return general answers, and the detail that matters — what would apply to this specific situation — is not easily accessible.

An initial consultation addresses that directly. One hour spent with someone who knows the framework, applied to the specific situation you are actually dealing with, puts you in a position to decide — with reasonable information — what to do next.

The approach

An hour focused entirely on understanding your situation

The consultation is not a sales meeting for further legal work. It is a structured conversation about the situation you are in, the rules that apply to it, and what the realistic paths forward look like. The aim is that you leave better informed than you arrived.

The applicable framework

The relevant area of law is explained in relation to the facts of your situation — not in the abstract, but applied to what you are actually dealing with. What the rules say, what they do not cover, and where the relevant provisions sit.

Realistic options

The options available to you are set out with their likely cost and duration stated honestly. What formal action would involve, how long it would take, what it would realistically produce — and whether simpler alternatives exist.

Whether action is warranted at all

Many situations look more complex than they are once the applicable framework is understood. Where no further legal work appears necessary, that is said plainly and the summary reflects it. No unnecessary engagement is suggested.

What to expect

One structured hour, followed by a written account of what was covered

Before

A brief note about your situation

A few sentences about what you are dealing with, sent in advance. Helps focus the hour on the parts of your situation that most need attention.

During

The framework explained

The applicable area of law explained in relation to the facts of your case. Options set out with their likely cost and duration. Documents you bring can be reviewed on the spot.

After

Written summary delivered

A written summary of the consultation sent to you — the applicable rules, the options discussed, and any referral suggested. Something to share or refer back to.

Then

Your decision, at your pace

No follow-up pressure. If further work would be helpful, the scope and fee are discussed if you choose to return. The consultation itself carries no further obligation.

Format

In person at 4-2-17 Haramachida, Machida City, Tokyo, or by video call — whichever is more convenient. Both work equally well for the purpose of the consultation.

Language

Conducted in English or Japanese, in full. If you bring documents in Japanese for review during the session, explanation is given in English — or vice versa.

Investment

A fixed fee for the full hour

The consultation fee is a single fixed amount. It does not vary with the complexity of the matter, the number of questions asked, or the time spent preparing the written summary afterwards.

Initial consultation

¥15,000

Fixed fee, one hour

One hour with a legal adviser
Explanation of the applicable framework for your situation
Realistic options set out with likely cost and duration
Plain statement where no further work appears necessary
Written summary sent after the consultation
Referral where the matter falls outside the areas handled here
In person in Tokyo or by video, English or Japanese

Suitable for individuals and companies

The consultation is appropriate for anyone — an individual, a sole trader, a small company director — who is uncertain whether their situation requires legal work and wants to understand their position before deciding.

Matters covered

Civil matters including contract disputes, property questions, and commercial disagreements. The consultation covers whether the matter falls within the areas handled here, and if not, where to go instead.

No obligation beyond the fee

The consultation fee is the only cost. No further work is assumed to follow. If you choose to proceed with additional engagement, the scope and fee for that work are discussed and confirmed separately.

How it works

A method focused on giving you the information to decide

Preparation

A short note about the situation sent before the consultation means the hour begins with the relevant facts already understood. There is no time spent on introductions and context that could have been covered in writing. Documents can be sent in advance for review before the meeting.

The conversation

The applicable framework is explained in relation to the specific facts. This is not a general legal education. The aim is to give you accurate information about your situation — what the rules say applies to what has happened, and what that means for the options available to you.

The written summary

The summary sent afterwards is not a formal legal opinion. It is a plain account of what was covered — the applicable rules, the options, and any recommendation on whether further work is warranted. Written in a form that is readable and can be shared with others involved in the situation.

Commitment

What the consultation will and will not do

The consultation will give you a clear account of the applicable framework, an honest view of the realistic options, and a written summary to refer to afterwards. It will not tell you what to do — that decision remains yours, based on the information provided and your own assessment of your situation.

If the matter falls entirely outside the areas handled here, that is said at the earliest opportunity. Where a referral to another practitioner is appropriate, that is suggested in the written summary. The fee is not charged if the matter is clearly outside scope before the consultation takes place.

Arrange a consultation

Fixed fee, no surprises

The ¥15,000 fee covers the full hour and the written summary. No additional charge for preparation, travel within Tokyo, or the time spent drafting the summary afterwards.

No pressure to proceed further

The consultation stands on its own. If further engagement would be helpful, it is discussed only if the situation warrants it. There is no expectation that the consultation leads to additional paid work.

Plain language, in writing

The written summary is produced in the language of the consultation and sent within a reasonable time after the meeting. It is readable without a legal background and can be shared with others who need to understand the position.

How to begin

From your first note to a consultation in a few straightforward steps

Step one

Write with a brief description

A few sentences about the situation — what has happened and what you are trying to understand. No need to frame it as a legal question; describe the facts as you see them.

Step two

Time and format confirmed

A response confirms a suitable time and whether the meeting will be in person or by video. Payment is made before the consultation takes place — no complication at the session itself.

Step three

The consultation, then the summary

One hour discussing your situation. A written summary sent afterwards. No further expectation beyond that — what happens next is your decision, made with the benefit of the consultation.

+81 42-723-5641 · info@domain.com · 〒194-0013 Tokyo, Machida City, Haramachida, 4-2-17

Initial Consultation

Describe the situation and we will confirm a time

Send a brief note about what you are dealing with. We will confirm whether the matter falls within the areas handled here and suggest a time for the consultation. The fee is ¥15,000, fixed, with written summary included.